You leave the house feeling incredible because your makeup is on point when suddenly, tragedy strikes. Maybe you work up a sweat trying to make it to the bus, or there’s an unexpected rainstorm… either way, the consequences are the same. The mascara you painstakingly applied smudges under your eyes, making you look like a hot mess (as the kids like to say), and rendering all of your hard work useless. Maybe it’s time to buy waterproof mascara.
- What You Need to Know About Waterproof Mascara
- Top 10 Best Waterproof Mascaras 2024
- 1. Best Overall L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
- 2. Best for Lash Separation Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
- 3. Best for Intense Lashes L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- 4. Best Premium Pick Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
- 5. Best for Swimming CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
- 6. Best Budget Pick Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
- 7. Best for a Natural Look Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
- 8. Best for Sensitive Eyes Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
- 9. Best for Length L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
- 10. Best for Oily Skin Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Super Waterproof
- In-Depth Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Mascara
- Everything Else You Ever Wanted to Know About Waterproof Mascara
- Bottom Line
What You Need to Know About Waterproof Mascara
Before we dive deep into recommendations (with a coat of waterproof mascara on our lashes, of course) there are a few things we need to cover.
Is It Better to Get Waterproof Mascara?
Almost every makeup-wearer will face situations that call for a mascara that will stay put in the face of a watery assault.
For some, it’s a daily need, like if you get teary-eyed during allergy season or if you cycle to work every morning. For others, it’s only occasional: you’ll want waterproof mascara when the forecast calls for rain or before an Instagrammable day at the beach.
Waterproof mascaras are not necessarily better than regular ones, but they do have an important place in every makeup collection.
Is Waterproof Mascara Really Waterproof?
If a mascara claims to be waterproof, it should be 100% waterproof. You should be able to wear it to the pool or gym without any fear.
When making our selection, we verified how each mascara held up when dunked into water. Almost all of the options on our list passed the water test with flying colors, but we’ll let you know about the exceptions that we still decided to recommend for other specific reasons.
Features to Consider
There are some features that almost every waterproof mascara should have, while others depend on your needs. Do you need to lengthen short lashes? To curl straight ones? If you’re not sure about your lash type, we’ve got you covered with a handy guide.
Here, we go through the major effects a waterproof mascara can give and help you figure out which will be right for you. We go into even more detail about these features later on.
Long-Wearing
Longevity is a non-negotiable feature for waterproof mascara, so we focused on selecting ones that look amazing all day. There is still room for variety: some mascaras are less long-wearing but easier to remove, while others can hold up against anything but are tough to take off. We’ll let you know exactly how each mascara fares in our reviews.
Volumizing
A volumizing mascara helps to build up eyelash thickness by coating each lash. It makes them look fuller and more dramatic – Bambi in the best-case scenario or a tarantula in the worst-case scenario.
It’s the effect to look for if you have sparse lashes or if you just love drama. If you prefer a subtle makeup look, you’ll want a mascara that gives minimal volume. We’ll let you know exactly how much volume each mascara provides.
Length
This one is self-explanatory. Almost all mascaras are designed to add length to the lashes since it’s a feature almost everyone wants! The exception is glasses-wearers and those with naturally long lashes, who may not want intense length. We’ll let you know what to expect in each review.
Curl
If your lashes are straight or downturned, you’ll want a mascara that can lift them and keep a curl in place. Waterproof mascaras usually do a better job of holding a curl, so you’re safe with most options. However, the texture and wand shape will also have an impact, so we’ll let you know when a mascara truly excels at curling.
Separation
We love the look of fanned out lashes, so we appreciate a good separating mascara. The main benefit of separating mascaras is that they keep the lashes from clumping together and looking spidery.
However, separating mascaras are often less volumizing and vice versa, so you might have to prioritize one feature over the other. We’ll let you know how much separation AND volume each mascara offers so you can find the right balance.
Easy to Remove
Waterproof mascaras are notoriously difficult to remove. That’s the point, though – the easier a mascara is to take off, the likelier that it’ll smudge when you least expect. However, if you have sensitive skin, scrubbing harshly around the eyes can be irritating, not to mention that you can lose precious eyelashes.
We included some easy-to-remove options, but if you still end up with a persistent mascara, try our gentle removal technique, which gets rid of every last speck without irritating.
Other Considerations
Some preferences are subjective. Would you like a colorful tube of mascara or do you prefer slick packaging? Would you prefer a brown mascara over a black one? Are you committed to only buying vegan or cruelty-free? We’ll point out these details and anything else that makes each mascara unique.
Now that you know what to expect out of an amazing waterproof mascara, here are our favorites for every need.
Top 10 Best Waterproof Mascaras 2024
1. Best Overall L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Wand: Traditional Nylon
- Colors: Black, Carbon Black, or Black Brown
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
It’s been more than two decades since L’Oreal released this simple mascara design, and it hasn’t undergone many changes since. Why mess with perfection? The most fashionable modern celebs adore it, including Kim K and Patrick Ta.
But why do we like it? Let’s start with the formula. As you can guess from the name, this mascara is seriously volumizing. It has a thick texture that coats the lashes thoroughly and sticks to itself. This is perfect for holding a curl and makes it easy to build up volume and length. It dries down quickly, so you’ll want to work fast. The bonus is that it won’t accidentally smudge on your eyelids and ruin your eyeshadow.
It has an old-school nylon wand, which keeps the lashes separated on the first coat and looks soft and natural. With additional coats, as it amps up the volume and intensity, it can slightly compromise on separation. That said, the right application technique can help you avoid that.
Because this mascara offers a little bit of every effect, it’s a favorite for makeup artists – it’s the one mascara that they can use on nearly every single client.
Longevity:
This mascara is truly waterproof, to the point where it’ll hold up against total submersion. At the end of the day, it’s easy to remove with an oil-based makeup remover. This, combined with the fact that it’s fragrance-free, makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin or eyes. However, if your eye area gets oily, then it can smudge.
Pros
- Balance of volume, length, and separation
- Soft-looking lashes
- Buildable for diverse application styles
- Easy to remove
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Waterproof but not oil-proof
2. Best for Lash Separation Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Wand: Curved Plastic
- Colors: Brownish-Black or Very Black
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
This mascara has one of the prettiest effects we’ve ever seen. It has a curved wand made of plastic, with long bristles on one side and short ones on the other. The long bristles lift, separate and define the lashes while still adding quite a bit of volume and length. It fans out the lashes in a way that widens the lash line, which opens up the eye and looks dramatic and feminine.
The shorter bristles, on the other hand, aren’t particularly useful. We find that they don’t cover the lashes evenly or maintain separation. We recommend applying this mascara only with the long-bristled side.
The fragrance-free formula itself gives an immense amount of length in just one coat. It’s buildable, so you can almost mimic the look of false lashes with additional layers. If you want a more subtle separating mascara, you might prefer Covergirl Lash Blast.
Longevity
Lash Sensation impresses with its longevity, as it tends to maintain the lift, length, and separation even after 12 hours of wear. For some, this might be a drawback, since it’s so difficult to remove. When it comes to oily lids, it holds up slightly better than L’Oreal Voluminous but not as well as Lash Paradise.
Pros
- Separates lashes for a fanned-out effect
- Gives incredible length and decent volume
- Looks dramatic with just one coat
- Extremely long-lasting effects
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Hard to remove
- The short side of wand isn’t convenient
3. Best for Intense Lashes L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Wand: Hourglass-Shaped Nylon
- Colors: Black or Blackest Black
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
This is the most dramatic waterproof mascara on our list. It’s even more volumizing than the original L’Oreal Voluminous, so it makes the lashes look extremely intense in just a couple of coats, and it also offers very dramatic length.
It has a big nylon wand with an hourglass shape, which is curved enough to grab each lash on the lashline, but not so curved that it deposits too much mascara. As far as separation goes, we’d say it’s about comparable to the original Voluminous, so it doesn’t fan out the lashes or enhance separation, but it also doesn’t clump them together.
The texture is very creamy so it takes a little longer to dry than your average waterproof mascara. The benefit is that you can add more and more coats for volume and length without having to worry about the lashes looking spidery. Some wet mascaras can undo the effects of a lash curler, but that’s not an issue with this one.
Longevity:
This mascara is extremely waterproof, so when the time comes for removal, things can get tough. You’ll want to take your time and be patient when trying to break it down and take it off. Because it’s so difficult to remove, it holds up well against oily skin.
Pros
- Dramatic and intense volumizing results
- Looks good with additional coats
- Extremely waterproof
- Holds up well against oily skin
Cons
- Slow to dry
- Difficult to remove
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Color: Black
- Wand: Hourglass-Shaped Nylon Wand
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Performance:
With such a provocative name, it’s not surprising that Better Than Sex became iconic pretty much immediately upon release. However, it also became iconic because of its intense lash-enhancing effects.
Its effects are similar to L’Oreal Lash Paradise, but that’s because Better Than Sex is the original. It’s pretty common for drugstore brands to make more affordable versions of expensive high-end products, which is probably what happened here.
Because they’re so similar, let’s talk about how they differ. We mentioned that Lash Paradise is slow to dry, but Better Than Sex is even slower, especially when fresh. This is good for building up layers, but it’s impossible to use in a rush. Thankfully, the dry-time vastly improves a week or two after the mascara has been opened.
The wand itself has slightly longer bristles and a more prominent hourglass shape. This makes it a little messier to use, but the results are just a hint more volumizing with the same level of length and a little less separation. Folks, we’re splitting (lash)hairs here – seeing these differences requires intense side-by-side analysis.
One area where this mascara really stands out is in its gorgeous packaging. The metallic, aqua-colored tube feels weighty and expensive, and it’s covered in raised dots that look just like water droplets and add a magical touch.
The final benefit it has over Lash Paradise is that it’s cruelty-free, so while it costs a little more, it’s also a more ethical product to buy.
Longevity:
While this mascara is definitely waterproof and long-wearing, it’s not as resistant to oils as Lash Paradise. If you have oily lids, go for Lash Paradise, but if you prefer easy removal, then this is the better choice.
Pros
- The most volumizing mascara on our list
- Easy to remove compared to similar mascaras
- Gorgeous, expensive packaging
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Very slow dry time
- Thick wand makes it slightly messy to apply
- Premium mascara with premium pricing
5. Best for Swimming CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Wand: Thick Plastic with Tightly Packed Bristles
- Color: Black, Black-Brown, and Very Black
- Cruelty-Free: Yes, and vegan
Performance:
Most of these waterproof mascaras are good for swimming, but this one deserves a special mention. Not only does it hold up extremely well in water, but it also has subtle effects that are more appropriate for an active day at the pool or gym.
So what does it deliver? First thing first, it’s wonderful for separating the lashes. It has a large plastic wand with tightly packed, medium-length bristles, which grabs every lash individually. We do wish the wand was just a touch narrower, however; during applications, it’s very easy to slip and end up with a swipe of mascara on the eyelid. If you’d prefer a more narrow wand but similar effects, we think you’d like L’Oreal Telescopic.
The formula is a little thin in texture and it does a particularly good job of building up the length of the lashes. If you have short but dense lashes, we think you’ll like this mascara. Because it’s moist it’s really nice for detangling lashes, but thankfully it won’t undo a curl.
We gotta address one thing: for a mascara that has the word ”volume” in the name, it doesn’t deliver what we’d expect! It takes three coats to get the same amount of volume as one coat of L’Oreal Lash Paradise, at which point it also starts getting a little chunky. If CoverGirl had focused on length, separation, or waterproof-ness when naming this mascara, we wouldn’t even bring this up.
This mascara gets points from us for being one of the few accessible, mainstream drugstore options that is both cruelty-free and vegan
Longevity:
Lash Blast has incredible performance in water. Not only does it stay put and not smudge, but it also looks really nice after a soak. It even prevents the lashes from sticking to one another when damp, so they still look separated even after a swim! It also holds up very well against oils, but that means that you can expect removal to be a struggle.
Pros
- Extremely waterproof and long-lasting
- Separates the lashes very well
- Very lengthening
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Not as volumizing as its name suggests
- Wide wand makes it tough to apply neatly
- Removal can be difficult
6. Best Budget Pick Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Color: Black
- Wand: Slim, Tapered Nylon Wand
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Performance:
Essence is a budget brand from Germany that’s geared towards a younger audience. Despite this, a lot of their products are pretty great, this mascara included. Most of the mascaras on our list are already affordable, usually costing less than $10, but this one delivers amazing results for nearly half the price.
Like other mascaras with a nylon wand, it balances volume and separation. The formula makes the lashes look intensely dark, thick, and long in just one or two coats, but unless you’re an expert, that third coat can also make the lashes look chunky.
We’d say the effects it offers are comparable to Lash Paradise and Better Than Sex, making the “False Lash” part of its name very fitting. Unlike with those two mascaras, Lash Princess dries within a normal amount of time, and its wand is slim and tapered which allows for an easier and more controlled application.
Longevity:
Where this mascara loses points is longevity. When submerged in water, it doesn’t hold up as well as any of our other recommendations. It won’t run down your cheeks in rivulets, but if you rub your eyes after swimming or sobbing, it will smudge. In the absence of water, it still sometimes flakes after a very long day. The one benefit to all of this is that removal is an easy process that’s gentle on the skin and lashes.
Pros
- Very lengthening and volumizing
- Extremely affordable
- Slim, easy-to-control wand
- Gentle and easy removal
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Can get spidery
- Not very waterproof or long-wearing
7. Best for a Natural Look Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Color: Very Black
- Wand: Nylon Wand with Wide-Spaced Bristles
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
This is another classic mascara that has been around for decades – in fact, it’s about 21 years older than the original L’Oreal Voluminous. It was a total game-changer when it first came out, but nowadays, it’s a simple, subtle mascara that’s great for days when you don’t want to look over the top.
Its texture is a little thicker so it dries quickly, and yet it goes on the eyes softly. It darkens the lashes and increases their length and thickness by the barest smidge, and additional coats don’t make a big difference. This isn’t a drawback, however – sometimes, those subtle effects are all you need. If you already have naturally long and voluminous lashes, a more intense mascara could make you look ridiculous, while this one adds just the right amount of polish.
The bristles on Great Lash are spaced quite far apart, which made us worry about clumping. In practice, the formula is so subtle and non-clumping that it wasn’t an issue at all.
This mascara might still be worth purchasing even if you don’t love the natural look because its effects are really nice on the bottom lashes. You can use a more dramatic mascara like Maybelline Lash Sensational on your top lashes, and then give the bottom lashes just a hint of emphasis with Great Lash.
Longevity:
Lastly, Great Lash fares well in water tests, just like Maybelline’s other waterproof formulas. It holds well all through-out the day while still coming off quite easily with an oil-based remover. If you have oily lids, it’s not a good fit.
Pros
- Subtle, natural definition
- Great for lower lashes
- Very non-clumping
- Excellent longevity but easy removal
Cons
- Too subtle for most users
- Not suitable for oily skin
8. Best for Sensitive Eyes Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Color: Very Black
- Wand: Dense Nylon Wand
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
Dramatic lashes aren’t for everyone, which is why this mascara deserves a mention. It’s another great creation from Maybelline that gives the lashes moderate volume, definition, and just a bit of length. It has a nylon wand, so while it’s not a separating mascara, it doesn’t cause clumping. It’s slightly more intense than Great Lash but still subtle enough to look nice on the bottom lashes.
The most remarkable feature of this mascara is how soft it looks once it dries. More dramatic mascaras like Maybelline Lash Sensational can make the lashes look solid and shiny when they dry down, which is part of their “false lash” effect. If you prefer a natural look, however, this mascara is a much better choice.
This mascara has a dry formula that sets quickly. Because of that, it’s awesome for holding a curl and it’s very useful if you’re getting ready in a rush. However, applying it slowly or going overboard with layers will lead to a clumpy, uneven appearance.
Lastly, this mascara is free of any fragrances or potential irritants, which makes it an excellent choice for those with particular sensitivities.
Longevity:
Full ‘N Soft stays on in the pool and holds up against tears, but it breaks down very easily with a makeup remover which keeps the skin around the eyes happy. That’s another reason why we recommend it for sensitive eyes and skin.
Pros
- Gives the lashes soft, natural definition
- Easy removal is great for sensitive skin
- Easy removal is great for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- It must be applied quickly
- Looks clumpy with more than 2 coats
9. Best for Length L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Editor’s Rating:
Features:
- Color: Black
- Wand: Thin Plastic Comb
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
This lengthening mascara has one of the most unique wands on we’ve seen. It’s a very slim plastic wand that stands in stark contrast to all of the long-bristled nylon options on our list.
The bristled wand is a bit like a comb, and it manages to grab and separate the lashes extremely well. It’s also very flexible, so you can slightly bend it to suit your angle of application. It’s worth noting that the wand is polarizing – you may love how slim and flexible it is or you might find it flimsy and hard to control.
This, combined with the slightly thin formula, leads to very long and separated lashes, an effect similar to Covergirl Lash Blast. They’re not totally identical, though: Telescopic is better at holding a curl but it’s even less volumizing than the already-not-very-volumizing Lash Blast. Its wand is also much more delicate and easier to control.
We think this mascara might work nicely in conjunction with a more volumizing formula. First, a coat of Telescopic can be applied for length and separation, followed by a second coat of L’Oreal Voluminous for added thickness.
This is another great option for darkening the bottom lashes because the slim brush is so easy to control. We recommend tapping it over the lower lashes instead of following a traditional application, just to ensure it doesn’t lengthen them too much.
Longevity:
Telescopic is extremely waterproof and long-wearing, but unlike Lash Blast, it’s less oil-resistant so removing it is an easier process. Also, keep in mind that it may not hold up well if you have oily skin.
Pros
- Separates and lengthens the lashes
- Holds a curl very well
- Thin wand is awesome for bottom lashes
- Easier to remove than other mascaras with similar effects
Cons
- Little to no volume
- Doesn’t hold up against oily skin
- The slim wand can feel flimsy
10. Best for Oily Skin Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Super Waterproof
Editor’s Rating:
Features
- Color: Black
- Wand: Curved Nylon Wand
- Cruelty-Free: No
Performance:
This mascara comes from the Japanese brand Heroine Make, and it has amassed a cult following all over the world.
It has a unique formula that, when deposited on the lashes, covers them well but doesn’t add much volume. However, it contains nylon fibers that stick to the tip of the lashes, so it adds a lot of length. It’s worth noting that these fibers are not recommended for contact lens wearers.
With repeated coats, the lashes don’t become bulky but they do get longer and longer, so if you’re patient, the results can be quite dramatic. Lastly, true to its name, this mascara also does an excellent job of keeping the lashes curled.
Longevity:
It is, by far, the most stubbornly long-lasting mascara we’ve ever come across. It holds steady in the face of both oil and water, thanks to its polymer-based formulation. This is the mascara that will outlast the apocalypse. If every mascara you’ve ever tried smudged on you and you’re at your wits’ end… buy this one.
Note that as a result, it’s also extremely difficult to remove. Heroine Make released a special makeup remover made specifically to break down this mascara, but even then it can be a long process.
Pros
- Unparalleled longevity
- Impervious to both oil and water
- Lengthens the lashes and maintains curl
Cons
- Extremely difficult to remove
- Fibers not suitable for contact lens wearers
- Not very volumizing
In-Depth Guide to Choosing a Waterproof Mascara
What makes a mascara long-wearing or dramatic? Here, we go in-depth about the different features a mascara can have.
Longevity
Longevity is the term we use for how a makeup product wears over time: the longer it looks good for, the better its longevity. The minimum standard for a mascara to be included on our list is that it needs to look great, without flaking or smudging, for at least 8 hours of wear. The mascaras that only hit this minimum standard are usually much easier to remove at the end of the day.
On the other end of the scale, we have extremely long-lasting mascaras that will hold up for over 24 hours. Maybelline Lash Sensational and Covergirl Lash Blast are both great examples of that.
However, the mascara with the best longevity is Heroine Make Long and Curl, which also holds up well against oily eyelids. That comes with a small price, as it’s extremely difficult to remove.
Ease of Removal
If you have sensitive skin or you’re worried about damaging your lashes when removing a waterproof mascara, you’ll want to prioritize ease of removal over longevity. You don’t need to use as much pressure to remove one of these waterproof mascaras, which puts less stress on the skin, eyes, and lashes.
The most easy-to-remove mascaras on our list are Essence Lash Princess (for a more dramatic look) and Maybelline Full ‘N Soft(for a more subtle look).
Even with these mascaras, we still recommend using a dedicated oil-based makeup remover and following our gentle removal guide.
Volume
Volume is determined by how well a mascara coats the lashes. The more it thickens each individual eyelash, the more volumizing it is, and as a result, the more dramatic and attention-grabbing your eyes become!
How much a mascara volumizes depends on both its formula and the wand. Creamy wax-based formulas generally stick to the lashes in a thicker layer, but we’ve also seen some very thin formulas that manage to build up volume well.
There’s also the question of how easy it is to add more coats, which is another way of increasing volume. Quick-drying formulas are sometimes an issue since they dry too fast and end up looking clumpy with additional coats. Formulas that take longer to dry can be built up more and more without the lashes becoming spidery.
When it comes to the wand, old-school nylon wands generally do a better job of building up volume, especially when the bristles are longer and more tightly packed. This allows the wand to hold more mascara and to coat the lashes without clumping them together.
Our top pick, L’Oreal Voluminous, offers a really balanced amount of volume and builds up really well, while L’Oreal Lash Paradise and Better Than Sex give really intense volume.
Length
Mascara also adds drama to the lashes is by building up length. Almost all mascaras add length to the lashes, but some do a better job than others. There are certain polymers used in mascaras that are more flexible, so they do a better job of stretching to lengthen the lashes.
Some brands, like Heroine Make, add nylon or rayon fibers to their mascaras, which stick to the lash tips and add a very literal extension. They’re awesome for length, but if you wear contact lenses you should avoid them, since they can fall into the eye, lodge under the lens, and cause eye issues.
Our most lengthening mascaras without fibers are Maybelline Lash Sensational and L’Oreal Telescopic.
Curl
While most waterproof mascaras are pretty good at holding a curl, some, like L’Oreal Voluminous and Maybelline Lash Sensational are truly fantastic at it. This mostly comes down to having a thick and creamy formula with a stronger hold.
It’s also very common for brands to package their curling formulas with a curved wand, which they say helps a bit in curling the lashes. It’s a persistent claim, and while we’re not convinced by it, we do love a lot of curved mascara wands.
Finally, remember that mascara is not a replacement for your eyelash curler – instead, it helps maintain your curler’s effects all day long.
Pro Tip: If your brand new mascara is too wet to hold a curl, set it aside for a week. Some of the liquid will evaporate from the formula and it’ll thicken up.
Separation
One of the worst things a mascara can do is clump the lashes together – an issue that’s woefully common with volumizing mascaras, although it’s not a major problem with any of the ones we’ve recommended, which strike a balance. However, if your lashes are prone to clumping together you might want a mascara that’s specifically designed to separate the lashes.
Separation mostly comes from the wand, although having a moist formula can also help. The best wands for lash separation are made of plastic or silicone, with pointed bristles that pull the lashes apart.
Maybelline Lash Sensational is a unique mascara that manages to both volumize and separate the lashes, which leads to a very dramatic effect. Otherwise, most separating mascaras are a little more subtle, which is exactly the case with Covergirl Lash Blast and L’Oreal Telescopic.
It’s important to note that even the best separating mascaras can eventually lead to clumping, particularly if they’re overapplied or if the tube is old and dried out.
Color
Most waterproof mascaras come in black, very/extreme black, or dark brown. Unusual colors like blue or purple are fairly hard to find because they go in and out of style so quickly. Black mascara is almost always a safe choice, but if you like your makeup to look very natural or subtle, or if you have light hair, then you might prefer a dark brown mascara instead.
Oil-Resistance
Usually, the only way to break down a waterproof mascara is with oil. As a result, those with oily eyelids may find that waterproof mascaras smudge on them, especially under the eyes or over the lids.
Some mascaras, in addition to being waterproof, are also more oil-resistant, like L’Oreal Lash Paradise, Covergirl Lash Blast, or the Superman of mascaras (because it’s totally indestructible): Heroine Make.
Drying Speed
The final feature to consider is drying speed, which will influence your application. With most mascaras, it takes about a minute for a single coat to dry down completely, which is ideal for most people.
Quick-drying mascaras like Maybelline Full ‘N Soft are ideal for fast makeup applications. You won’t have a lot of time to apply more coats since if you do try to add coats after a layer has totally dried, you’ll end up with chunky lashes. The benefit is that you won’t have to waste time waiting for your mascara to dry.
Slow drying mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex are good for slow, involved makeup applications. You get a lot of playtime to add more layers or to separate the lashes with a clean mascara wand. If you like to have full control, they’re perfect.
Choosing a Mascara for Your Lash Type
If you’ve read about all of the effects but still aren’t sure which mascara will be right for you, here’s our advice based on your lash type.
Short
If you have short lashes that don’t extend far past your eye, it’s a given that you’ll want a mascara that’ll add length. Almost all mascaras add some length, so the one you choose totally depends on whether you want other features. For a mascara that adds both a lot of length and volume, we recommend L’Oreal Lash Paradise, while for a mascara that adds length and separation we recommend L’Oreal Telescopic.
Long
Long lashes usually extend past the crease of the eye, and when especially dramatic, they can even touch the brows. Normally, those with long lashes prefer to stay away from lengthening mascaras, and instead prefer either natural ones like Great Lash. Others might want a moderate amount of length and volume from a balanced mascara like L’Oreal Voluminous.
Straight
Straight or “downturned” lashes either stick straight out from the lash line or they angle downwards to slightly obscure the eye. By using an eyelash curler and any waterproof mascara you can curl and lift them up, which will help open up the eyes and make the lashes more prominent. Any waterproof mascara can help hold a curl, so choose one based on your other needs and preferences.
Sparse
If your lashes are sparse, which means that they are thin and widely spaced, you’ll want a mascara that adds volume. However, you also run the risk that a very volumizing mascara will clump your lashes together, which defeats the purpose of adding volume. We think Maybelline Lash Sensational is the best choice because it bridges volume and separation.
Easily-Tangled
Sometimes, those with naturally curly hair have lashes that tangle together easily. This usually comes hand in hand with having amazing volume but little length. The best mascara for you would have a slightly damper formula, longer drying time, and a separating plastic wand. Covergirl Lash Blast is a great choice since it has a thinner, less volumizing formula and a great wand, but L’Oreal Telescopic is another option.
Bottom Lashes
It’s best to be careful when applying mascara to the bottom lash line. Some sources say you should never apply mascara to the bottom lashes, but we think it can be nice if you want a more open-eyed look. Unless you’re going for a ‘60s Twiggy vibe, very volumizing or lengthening mascaras are too dramatic for the bottom lashes. It’s better to either have a dedicated mascara for the bottom lashes, like Maybelline Great Lash, or to use a subtle mascara all over, like Maybelline Full ‘N Soft.
Everything Else You Ever Wanted to Know About Waterproof Mascara
Do you still have some burning questions about waterproof mascara? Here is everything else you might be interested to know!
Is Waterproof Mascara Bad for Your Eyelashes?
Some dermatologists caution that waterproof mascara is harsher on the eyelashes than regular mascara. They explain that the isoparaffins and silicones that make mascaras waterproof can be drying to the lashes and that the sheer act of trying to scrub waterproof mascara off your eyes can be irritating.
We agree about the scrubbing, but we think there’s more nuance to these waterproofing ingredients. A deeper dive into common ingredients like isododecane and cyclopentasiloxane shows that they create a layer that works in two ways: it locks moisture into the lashes while preventing outside moisture from getting in.
This leads us to believe that in the short term, they won’t dry the lashes out at all – quite the opposite. In the long term, however, they might cause issues, which is why it’s so important to remove mascara at the end of the day.
Research on medical students backs this up. It showed that both regular and waterproof mascara cause an equal amount of eyelash loss and that the risk of eyelash loss with waterproof mascara only increases when it’s removed incorrectly.
Pro Tip: The research also suggests that wearing any type of mascara every day takes a toll on the lashes, so make sure to give your eyes a regular break from makeup.
What’s the Difference Between Waterproof Mascara and Regular Mascara?
This should seem obvious: waterproof mascara doesn’t come off with water while regular mascara does. They’re a must if you cry at weddings, hop in the pool, get sweaty, or face intense humidity.
But actually, the differences go a little further than that! Waterproof mascaras look pristine and stay put for a lot longer than regular mascaras, which are quicker to smudge even in regular circumstances. Their ingredients create a stronger layer around the lashes, so they do a much better job of holding a curl, as well.
The main drawback of using a waterproof mascara over a regular one is that it’s much harder to remove, which can take its toll on the lashes and eyes. If you don’t need the intense longevity or any of the other effects of waterproof mascara, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort by using a regular one.
How to Apply Waterproof Mascara
This is our step-by-step guide to applying waterproof mascara flawlessly.
- Start out by curling your lashes, which will lift them up to make them look longer and open up your eyes.
- Next, open your tube of mascara and pull out the wand.
- No matter what you do, DO NOT PUMP the wand in and out of the tube, or you risk introducing air and bacteria into your mascara, which will make it go bad more quickly.
- Wipe the wand over the rim of the tube to remove excess product and prevent clumping.
- If your mascara wand is still loaded with too much mascara, wipe it gently with a tissue.
- Now to the actual application! Mastering the “wiggle” is the key to keeping the lashes evenly coated and separated even when not using a separating mascara.
- Bring the wand close to your lash line from below, and wiggle it side to side while pulling it upwards.
- Repeat this until your entire lash line is covered.
- You can continue applying more coats to build up the volume and length.
- Generally, you want to wait a few seconds between coats so the mascara dries down about half-way but still retains some tackiness.
- If your lashes get clumpy at any point, use a clean mascara wand or an eyelash comb to brush out the clumps.
- Once you’re happy with your first eye, move on to the second eye. Voila, gorgeous lashes!
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Safely
It’s during removal that you can do the most damage to your eyelashes, but if you use the right remover and take your time with it, you can keep them intact.
Choosing a Remover for Waterproof Mascara
The best removers for waterproof mascaras are oil-based, so you can use an oily makeup remover, an oil cleanser, or even whatever oil you have in your house, like mineral oil or cold-pressed coconut oil.
If your mascara is resistant to both water and oil, choose an isoparaffin-based makeup remover, like Lancome Bi-Facil. We don’t recommend micellar water for removing waterproof mascaras — it rarely does the trick, even when it’s supposedly made for waterproof makeup.
The Removal Process
The secret to this method is to totally saturate your lashes with the makeup remover and to give it enough time to break down the waxes and polymers that make up the mascara.
- Dispense a bit of remover in the palm of your hand, and then, with your ring finger, dab it generously over your lashes, making sure that they are thoroughly coated in the stuff.
- To keep things clean, you can use a cotton pad instead, although we find that using the fingers is much more effective.
- Let the remover sit on your lashes for a few seconds.
- Begin massaging very gently with your ring finger, starting at the lash line and pulling downwards. You’ll be able to feel the mascara slowly breaking down and dissolving into the remover.
- Be careful not to rub upwards or side-to-side, since these motions are more likely to pull lashes off.
- If you feel any friction at all, it’s a sign that you didn’t use enough remover, so add more.
- Your eye area will start looking a little Raccoon-esque as the mascara mixes with the remover and spreads over your skin.
- Once you can feel that most of the mascara has dissolved from your lashes, grab a cotton pad or makeup wipe. At this point, the mascara will have totally dissolved, so you won’t have to exert force and damage your lashes.
- Using gentle downward motions, wipe the mixture of remover and mascara off of your skin.
- If this is part of your entire makeup removal routine, you can massage your whole face with the makeup remover, and then finish off with a regular cleanser.
Why Does My Mascara Keep Smudging?
More often than not, when your waterproof mascara smudges under your eyes, chances are the issue isn’t water but sebum. Sebum is the oil that the human skin produces, and it’s integral to keeping the skin strong and supple. Unfortunately, just like an oil-based makeup remover, it breaks down waterproof formulas. Make sure to choose an oil-resistant mascara to prevent that smudging.
Pro Tip: Use a mattifying primer and an oil-controlling setting powder around the eye area to prevent those oils from reaching your mascara in the first place.
How Long Does Waterproof Mascara Last?
Some waterproof mascaras will start fading after around 8 hours of wear while others, like Heroine Make, are reported to stay put for up to 3 days in a row. We don’t recommend putting your eyelashes under so much stress, so you should remove your mascara at least 24 hours after applying it.
As for expiry, cream-based products like mascara are more likely to harbor bacteria than dry ones, and the eye area is much more vulnerable than other parts of the face. As a result, both regular and waterproof mascaras have the shortest lifespan out of all makeup categories. Most sources recommend tossing mascara within 3-6 months. You can also consult the packaging of the mascara you choose for the use-by time period.
Bottom Line
For such a tiny product, waterproof mascara can be pretty complicated. It’s a must-have, however, because it ties together every makeup look and holds up in any situation. A lot goes into choosing the right waterproof mascara, and you have to consider your own circumstances, preferences and your lash type. However, it’s totally worth it to be able to bat those lashes with confidence, come rain or shine!